Every week SempreInter.com editorialist, Richard Hall, takes a look back at the glorious history of Inter by highlighting a certain match, hero or any other event in Inter’s history worthy of being labelled Nerazzurri Classic’s. Ahead of the match against Genoa, Richard looks back to the 1990/91 season when a German duo made the difference.
n this season the trio of Germans inspired Inter to third place in Serie A, and a UEFA Cup win. When Genoa came to town at the start of 1991, all of this was far from certain as they themselves were on track for a fourth place finish that year.
It was a cold January day when the teams met at the San Siro. The Christmas weather had not been good in Milan and the amount of water before the festive season and during had turned the pitch in to a quagmire.
The Genoese had no reason to be fearful and attacked quickly out of the blocks. The Nerazzurri held firm and steadied the pace of the game, slowly stating to dominate possession. It was on their first real move on goal in the first quarter of an hour that through up a decisive result. Jurgen Klinsmann was pulled down by goalkeeper Simone Braglia and in theatrical style the German won the penalty. Lothar Matthaus stepped up and in his usual nonchalant but powerful manner, directed the ball determinedly to the right of Braglia.
Genoa were not perturbed and looked dangerous from set pieces especially. Carlos Aguilera was first to come close as he got away from his marker only to head over the bar from close range. Genoa’s biggest threat in the box however was Tomas Skuhravy who had made a name for himself at Italia 90. His heading prowess and poaching ability was by now well-known but he was kept under wraps all game by a determined and well-disciplined Giuseppe Bergomi.
Genoa started the second half in the same manner they had started the first attacking quickly. However they imploded almost at the same time as they had in the first. From nothing Nicola Caricola played a back pass to Braglia that travelled all of five yards. The defender looked in horror as the gazelle that was Jurgen Klinsmann breezed past him and onwards to goal. Braglia hesitated not wanting to bring him down for a second time but this only allowed Klinsmann to round him and slot home Inter’s second of the day.
The game in Inter’s eyes looked over and they promptly slowed the pace down to see it out. This tactic worked well until a lapse at the back would end up leading to a tense finish. Aguilera was allowed to slip in and dink a sublime ball over Inter’s static defence to Stefano Eranio. The midfielder identified the on rushing Walter Zenga and simply proceeded to lift the ball delicately over him pulling one back for the away side. It was a delightful goal but not enough to get Genoa back in the match.
There were no more mistakes from Inter who ran out 2-1 winners.
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